contour interval

[Guest]

Really now.... How do you change the contour interval of a contour surface
chart in Excel 2007? In previous versions, all that was required was a
simple right click on the legend, a click on format, and a change of the
scale. Where is this function in 2007? Why does such a simple, common
problem not have any coverage in the help files? Does everyone who makes a
surface map accept the default contour intervals? Are we all just sheep? Or
am I the first one to try this?

 

[Andy Pope]

Hi,

If the surface chart is of the 3d type you can select the vertical axis and
adjust the Major Unit.

If the 2d type is being used the selection process is more subtle due to
bug/feature in the chart.
Select the chart and display the Format dialog. As the dialogs are now
modaless you can set focus back to the chart and the dialog will update with
the current select.
So use the cursor DOWN arrow to cycle through the chart elements. Using the
DOWN key appears to reveal more selectable items than the UP cursor.
Anyway by moving through the chart elements in this way you can get to the
vertical axis and adjust the Major Unit value.

You can then use the legend items to format the bands.

Cheers
Andy